Some improvements were also found "in the delivery of theatre services, although the department was still not being well-led in some aspects".

In one ward however, inspectors found a lack of piped oxygen and suction placed patients at potential risk of harm.

'False dawns'

The trust appointed a new leadership team three months ago and said it had an 18-month plan to stabilise the organisation.

Dr Phil Barnes, acting chief executive, said while the latest inspection was disappointing, "turning the hospital around properly is not a quick task".

"The instability in the leadership team over the last two years has been such that we've had a number of false dawns," he said.

"I am, however, confident that with the team that I've managed to assemble around me, we're dealing with a group of people who are absolutely committed to help Medway and to turn it round from the very top."

The CQC's chief inspector of hospitals, Professor Sir Mike Richards, said it would "monitor the situation carefully to ensure the progress we have found continues".